Coeliac Disease Flashcards
How common/rare is Coeliac disease?
Very common
What groups does it present in?
Young children
Those over 60
Females slightly more than males
Is there a genetic component to coeliac disease?
Yes (30% sibling risk)
Describe the pathology of Coeliac Disease?
T cell mediated auto-immune disorder
Gluten is viewed as an antigen by the body and exposure to it causes inflammatory response
Describe the affect of Coeliac disease on the affected organ?
Prolonged inflammaoty response leads to small intestine damage
Causes malabsorption
Describe the histological changes seen in Coeliac disease?
Villi Atrophy
Hyperplastic Crypts
Loss of surface area for absorption
Which part of the body is most affected by Coeliac disease (SPECIFIC?)
Small intestine
Specifically the proximal part
Describe the symptoms of coeliac disease?
General Malaise and Tiredness Diarrhoea Nausea/Vomiting Angular Stomatitis Weight Loss Oral Ulcers
Describe a condition that Coeliac disease can cause in the blood? What symptoms are related to this?
Anaemia
- General malaise and tiredness
- Angular Stomatitis
Describe the investigations for Coeliac disease?
Anti-TTG
Endoscope and Biopsy (Look for histological changes)
Diagnosis of Coeliac disease requires four this… What are they?
Evidence of malabsorption
Villous Atrophy
Weight Loss
Features resolve on a gluten free diet
Treatment of Coeliac disease?
Life long gluten free diet
How would you test compliance with a gluten free diet?
Anti-TTG levels return to normal after 6 weeks on diet. If non compliant, they will remain high
What is the classic presentation for children?
Present when being weaned onto cereals with failure to thrive, malabsorption and stearrhoea
Describe two other symptoms of coeliac disease not directly related to the GI tract?
Oral Ulcers
Rash on trunk
